Zimbabwe - Consular Information Sheet October 18, 1993 Country Description: Zimbabwe is a landlocked southern African country with extensive tourist facilities. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Although no visa is required to enter Zimbabwe, immigration authorities require a firm itinerary, sufficient funds to support the visit, and a return ticket to the United States. Onward tickets to non-U.S. destinations may not suffice. If these requirements are not met, immigration authorities may order departure by the next available flight. Departing air travelers must pay a $20 departure tax. Travelers may obtain further information regarding entry requirements by contacting the Embassy of Zimbabwe, 1608 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 332-7100. Areas of Instability: Land mines along the Mozambique border, which is outside the main tourist areas, make travel to the border area potentially hazardous. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Zimbabwe are limited. Some medicine is in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid outside the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage to be of use. Zimbabwe is suffering greatly from the AIDS pandemic. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Muggings, purse snatchings and break-ins are an increasing problem in Harare and Bulawayo. Thieves often operate in downtown Harare, especially in crowded areas, and on public transportation. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Shortages: Nationwide electrical blackouts can last hours at a time. In-Country Travel: Intercity bus travel can be dangerous due to overloaded buses, inadequate maintenance, unskilled drivers and occasional cases of drivers operating buses while intoxicated. When driving in cities, individuals generally keep windows rolled up and doors locked. Scheduled air travel is available to several cities and tourist destinations throughout Zimbabwe. Currency Regulations: Currency transactions are strictly regulated. Tourists must declare to Zimbabwe customs all currency and travelers checks with which they enter the country. Failure to declare all currency and travelers checks can mean confiscation of the currency or checks, as well as a fine. Restrictions on Photography: Zimbabwean authorities are extremely sensitive about photographing certain locations and buildings, including government offices, airports, military installations, official residences and embassies. Arrest or Detention: U.S. consular officials are not always granted quick access to Americans detained by Zimbabwean police. U.S. Embassy protests to the Government of Zimbabwe have not improved this situation. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security in Zimbabwe. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, P.O. Box 3340, in the capital city of Harare. The telephone number is (263-4) 794-521. In emergency situations during non-working hours, a duty officer can be contacted through the Marine Security Guard on duty at the U.S. Embassy. No. 93-297 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 24, 1992, to reflect that the Gonarezhou National Park is no longer closed to the public.